This study examines drivers, challenges, and stakeholder perceptions of resource-efficient investments in the Stockholm real estate market under the EU Taxonomy. It is focused on a green activity involving repurposing energy waste and explores its value through a case study. Data collection involved conducting 13 interviews with stakeholders in the banking, valuation, and property owner sectors. Existing literature suggests limited consideration of environmental and social impacts in traditional real estate valuation. Empirical evidence supporting the influence of sustainability on market prices is scarce due to data comparability issues and a lack of standardisation from valuation organisations. This study used a mixed-method approach, combining interviews and a case study. The results found that stakeholders made different adjustments to meet EU Taxonomy criteria. Banks are driving green investments through attractive financing, causing many property owners to adjust accordingly. Valuers had limited awareness of including sustainability values. Property owners viewed green investments as vital for survival, influenced by financiers and tenants. The results from the case study show an increase in property value when investing in an internal mini data centre focused on repurposing waste energy and heat from the servers and utilising the property’s existing infrastructure. This study has concluded that enhancing awareness about the EU Taxonomy in an early stage could lead to the property industry being able to overcome the barriers and adopt sustainable practices better. / Denna studie undersöker de drivkrafter och utmaningar som finns bland intressenter att genomföra resurseffektiva investeringar på fastighetsmarknaden i Stockholm till följd av EU taxonomin. Studien har undersökt gröna investeringsaktiviteter som innefattar omvandling av resurser som spillvärme och spillenergi samt utforskar deras värde genom en fiktiv fallstudie. Datainsamlingen involverade 13 intervjuer med intressenter inom bank-, värderings- och fastighetsägarsektorn. Den befintliga litteraturen tyder på att traditionella fastighetsvärderingar i begränsad utsträckning tar hänsyn till miljöfaktorer, såsom gröna investeringsaktiviteter. Empiriska bevis visar att hållbarhetsinflytandet på marknadspriser är bristfälliga på grund av jämförbarhetsproblem med data och brist på standardisering från värderingsorganisationer. Denna studie använde en mixad metod, som kombinerade intervjuer och en fiktiv fallstudie. Studien visade att intressenter gör olika anpassningar för att uppfylla EU:s taxonomikriterier. Bankerna driver gröna investeringar utefter EU taxonomin genom att erbjuda en mer attraktiv finansiering, vilket leder till att många fastighetsägare har sin största drivkraft för hållbarhetsomställningen som finansiering. Värderare visade sig ha en begränsad medvetenhet om hur hållbarhetsvärden ska inkluderas i fastighetsvärderingen. Fastighetsägare såg ocksågröna investeringar som avgörande för överlevnad, påverkade av både finansiärer och hyresgäster. Samtidigt visade resultaten från fallstudien på en ökning av fastighetsvärdet vid investering i ett mini datacenter, fokuserat på att omvandla spillvärme och spillenergi från servrar samtidigt som fastighetens befintliga infrastruktur nyttjas. Slutsatsen har kommit fram till att ökad medvetenhet om EU:s taxonomi i ett tidigt skede kan leda till att fastighetsbranschen bättre kan övervinna de hinder som finns och samtidigt anta hållbara metoder.

Circular Economy (CE) aims at improving the resource efficiency of our society and decoupling economic growth from resource use. However, entropy and residues are still generated in CE, and resources such as energy, raw materials and water are used throughout the CE processes. The methodology developed in this thesis aims at evaluating and communicating the resource efficiency and environmental impacts of CE systems. Firstly, a digital twin of the system is created using process simulation to obtain detailed mass and energy balances. Then, a set of indicators is obtained for the evaluation of the material recoveries, residues and emissions generated, resource use and environmental impacts (LCA). Exergy indicators such as exergy dissipation and cost are also obtained from the simulation using a dedicated tool developed and implemented within this thesis. This methodology has been applied in three case studies within metallurgy and CE to evaluate, optimize and communicate their resource efficiency and environmental impacts. These case studies are the evaluation of the copper value chain, the comparison between different zinc production routes and the industrial symbiosis between the copper, zinc and cement value chains.

Omställningen till den cirkulära ekonomin behöver ske snarast för att jordens begränsade resurser ska tas till vara samt för att kunna uppnå ett hållbart samhälle. Cirkulär ekonomi är ett sätt för att driva fram ett större engagemang avseende återbrukning, återvinning och reducering av byggmaterial snarare än att det endast kasseras. Bygg- och fastighetsbranschen har en stor påverkan på miljön och klimatet vilket innebär att det är viktigt med en kännedom avseende hur aktörer i branschen ska agera. Det undersöks vilka utmaningar och möjligheter fastighetssektorn står inför gällande implementeringen av cirkulär ekonomi vid ombyggnation och renoveringar. Undersökningen genomfördes med en kvalitativ metod där semistrukturerade intervjuer har brukats för att få fram det empiriska underlaget. En sådan undersökning kan bidra till en ökad takt avseende omställningen till cirkulär ekonomi vilket kan skapa en positiv effekt som bidrar till en minskad klimatpåverkan.  I slutsatsen har flera påverkande faktorer identifierats vilka är avgörande för huruvida implementering av cirkulär ekonomi i bygg-och fastighetsbranschen kan genomföras eller ej. Följande redovisas de faktorerna: kunskap, lagreglering, policy, korrekt avfallshantering och kundens inflytande. / The transition to the circular economy needs to take place as soon as possible in order for the earth's limited resources to be utilized and to achieve a sustainable society. Circular economy is a way of driving a greater commitment regarding the reuse, recycling, and reduction of building materials rather than just discarding them. The construction and real estate industry has a major impact on the environment and climate, which means that it is important to have knowledge of how to act in the industry. This paper studies the challenges and opportunities the real estate sector faces regarding the implementation of the circular economy when redevelopment and renovations happen. The study is conducted using a qualitative method where semi-structured interviews have been used to obtain the empirical basis.  Furthermore, can this study contribute to an increased pace regarding the transition to a circular economy, which can create a positive effect that contributes to a reduced climate impact.  In the result, several affecting factors have been identified which are decisive for whether implementation of the circular economy in the construction and real estate industry can be implemented or not. The following factors are presented: knowledge, legal regulation, policy, correct waste management and the customer's influence.

Rapportens syfte har varit att uppmärksamma återanvändningspotentialen hos jordmassor och hur resurseffektivitet kan optimeras i projekt Ostlänken samt stora infrastrukturprojekt i allmänhet. Det praktiska syftet med studien är att bidra till en mer hållbar masshantering i projekt Ostlänken. Denna rapport har skrivits i form av en fallstudie med två typfall där triangulering har implementerats i forsknings-metodiken för att kombinera kvalitativa med kvantitativa metoder. Kriterier för rapportens analys-metod är baserad på en samlad effektivitetsbedömning där analyserade kriterier är ekonomi, klimat och risk. Resultatet indikerar att jordmassor som transporteras med semitrailer utanför ett projektområde till en fiktiv deponi-plats är både mer kostsamt och emitterar mer CO2-ekv. jämfört med jordmassor som transporteras med dumper innanför ett projektområde för återanvändningsändamål. Analysen visar att en ökad maxlast i kombination med en kortare sträcka är det mest kostnadseffektiva alternativet. Studien belyser även vikten av att inkludera hela värdekedjan (beställare-konsult-entreprenad) och uppdatera branschens annars konservativa förhållningssätt gällande masshanteringsarbetet. / The purpose of the report is to pay attention to the reuse potential of soil masses in infrastructure projects, specifically the East Link Project and how resource efficiency can be optimized. The practical purpose of the study is to contribute to a more sustainable mass management in the East Link Project. This report has been written in the form of a case study with two types of cases where triangulation has been implemented in the research methodology to combine qualitative with quantitative methods. Criterions for the analytical method of the report are based on an overall efficiency assessment, where analyzed criterions are economy, climate and risk. The result indicates that excavated soil masses that are transported by semi-trailers outside the project area to a fictional landfill are costlier and emit more CO2 equivalents than soil masses that are transported by a dumper truck inside the project area for reuse purposes. The analysis indicates that an increased maximum load in combination with a shorter distance is the most cost-efficient option. The study also highlights the importance of including the entire value chain (client-consultant-contractor) as well as updating the industry's otherwise conservative approach to mass management.

Metall- und Maschinenbauunternehmen müssen im Durchschnitt pro Jahr ca. zwei Prozent ihres Umsatzes für Strom und Erdgas ausgeben und die Unternehmer gehen von weiteren Preissteigerungen aus. Damit rückt das Thema Energieeinsparung stärker denn je in den Fokus und wird zu einem strategischen Faktor. Um Kosten zu sparen und Wettbewerbsvorteile zu sichern, ist es notwendig, zielgenaue Energieeinsparmaßnahmen einzuleiten. Die ersten Maßnahmen, welche die meisten Maschinenbauunternehmen umsetzen, sind die Erneuerung der Beleuchtungs-, Heizungs- und Lüftungsanlage, die Verbesserung der Drucklufterzeugung sowie die thematische Sensibilisierung der Mitarbeiter. Aber auch in Maschinen mit ihren dazugehörigen elektrischen Antrieben, Lüftern und Aggregaten verbirgt sich eine große Menge an Optimierungspotenzial. Allerdings ist es hier notwendig nicht die Verbraucher im Einzelnen, sondern die Maschine und deren Prozesse im Ganzen zu betrachten. Meist fehlen hierfür aber geeignete Schnittstellen, um die Messwerte von Sensoren (bspw. Temperatur-, Drucksensoren, etc.) und Antrieben auslesen zu können, was dazu führt, dass diese Potenziale nicht ausgeschöpft werden.

The average metal and mechanical engineering company must spend around two per cent of its annual turnover on electricity and natural gas, and companies are expecting further price increases. As a result, the issue of energy saving is becoming more of a strategic factor than ever before. In order to save costs and ensure competitive advantages, it is necessary to introduce precise energy-saving measures. The first steps taken by most mechanical engineering companies are to replace lighting, heating, and ventilation systems, improve compressed air generation and raise employee awareness. However, there is also a great potential for optimization in machines with their individual electrical drives, fans, and units. In this case, though, it is necessary to look at the machine and its processes as a whole rather than the individual electrical energy consumers. In most cases, however, there is a lack of suitable interfaces for analyzing the measured values from sensors (e.g. temperature, pressure sensors, etc.) and drives, which concludes that this potential is not fully exploited.

No / Sustainability is a triad including techno-economic efficiency, compatibility with the “Planetary Boundaries”, and equity - enabling a decent quality of life for all. Circular Economy models often focus only on closing material flows in order to increase economic activity or market share. This overlooks the equity dimension. Here we focus on the Performance Economy, which extends the Circular Economy in ways that can enhance equity. The Performance Economy model concentrates on making best use of stocks in the economy, including labour which is a renewable resource. Extending product life through re-use, remanufacturing and reprocessing and shifting from non-renewable inputs (including energy) to renewable inputs (including labour) can improve resource efficiency and increase the supply of rewarding employment. The Performance Economy requires changes in business practices more than technological innovation, including a different view of the functions of value chains, and can be promoted by different approaches to taxation.

Considerada a importância de que os Programas de Produção mais Limpa (PPLs) são investidos e os problemas constatados com suas performances em todo o mundo, avalia-se como crítica a ausência de Bases Teóricas para avaliar esses programas. Na Literatura acadêmica para este tema, não se encontram abordagens que orientem a Concepção e a Gestão dos PPLs. Movida por estas constatações críticas e pelo senso de urgência em atender esta carência, a pesquisa empreendida, da qual parte dos resultados compõem esta Tese, se dedica à construção de Bases fundamentadas em áreas do conhecimento científico que apóiem a avaliação dos PPLs. Diante da escassez de abordagens teóricas para este propósito, esta Tese se constitui em estudo exploratório e voltado à proposição de um conjunto de enfoques que atenda à sua meta fundamental. Sugerindo que o conjunto resultante estabeleça um arcabouço teórico primário, dirigem-se os enfoques para três níveis de análise : (i) aspectos externos a um Programa a avaliar (macro-análise); (ii) constituição estrutural deste PPL e dinâmicas de seus componentes (meso-análise); e (iii) aspectos psico-sociológicos das relações internas no PPL (micro-análise). Define-se o nivel de meso-análise como foco das elaborações da Tese, para o qual se desenvolvem dois enfoques. Aos enfoques elaborados para os outros dois níveis de análise dedicam-se menores desenvolvimentos, limitando-se a indicar sua integração com os enfoques do nível de meso-análise e seus posteriores desdobramentos e aprofundamentos. Para as construções dos enfoques, utiliza-se de revisões amplas na literatura de Teorias de Aprendizagem, Teorias Organizacionais, Psicologia Ambiental, Complexidade e Gestão da Mudança, como apoios para a revisão de publicações acadêmicas sobre PPLs. Limitações constatadas para estas elaborações teóricas do conjunto de enfoques destacam a importância de uma fase complementar de estudos empíricos qualitativos que, na Tese, prioriza aperfeiçoar o enfoque para Análise Estrutural. Empregando-se principalmente a abordagem de Estudos de Caso e recursos adaptados da Grounded Theory, elabora-se um Esboço Estrutural para este enfoque. A consolidação da integração dos enfoques propostos pela Tese alcança maior consistência pela aplicação do Esboço Estrutural para descrever aspectos dos Casos estudados em um Estudo de Caso Genérico, acompanhada de uma série de análises que integram, progressivamente, conceitos teóricos das ferramentas analíticas que compõem os enfoques. A base da lógica que coordena concepções e construções da Tese se alicerça no enfoque de Pensamento Complexo de Morin, operacionalizada através da dialética hermenêutica que orienta a postura de pesquisa. Tais escolhas filosófico-epistemológicas proporcionam nexo para a integração complexa de múltiplos e variados fatores e conceitos que passam a compor os enfoques, conciliando ambigüidades, oposições e paradoxos típicos dos fenômenos observados nos PPLs. Como resultados, alcança-se evidente capacidade do conjunto de enfoques elaborado para avaliar PPLs de diversos arranjos organizacionais, permitindo-se interpretações ricas dos aspectos que concorrem para seus resultados, o que atende ao propósito original de contribuir para a compreensão de suas performances. Desta forma, a Tese oferece contributo significativo para um campo de conhecimento que carece de contribuições teóricas urgentes. / A critical lack of approaches based on theoretical fundamentals to evaluating Cleaner Production Programmes (CPPs) in the academic literature collides with the significance of these programmes and with their crucial performance problems all over the world. Scientific guidance on designing and managing CPPs is nonexistent or unavailable to regular search on academic publications. Intending to reduce this scarcity of scientific knowledge, the research from which this Thesis gathers its results conceives approaches supported by theoretical underpinnings aimed to evaluate CPPs. Given the knowledge insufficiency on this subject, this Thesis constitutes an exploratory study devoted to the proposition of a set of analytical approaches. This set is intended to establish a basic theoretical framework whose approaches are designed to fit three analytical levels : (i) external aspects of a Programme under assessment (macro-analysis); (ii) structural constitution of this CPP and the dynamics of its components (meso-analysis); and (iii) psycho-sociological aspects of the CPP internal relations (micro-analysis). The main focus of elaborative work concerns the meso-analysis level, to which two approaches have been developed. Less development is dedicated to the other levels and the Thesis confines the elaboration of their approaches to their vital fit and sound synergy with the approaches of the meso-analysis level. The study indicates detailed features of the micro-analysis approach and how they develop in future advanced stages of the research. Similar indications of future developments for the macro-analysis approach receive attention in the discussions. Encompassing reviews of the literature on Learning Theories, Organisational Theories, Environmental Psychology, Complexity and Organisational Change underpin the conception and development of the approaches, integrating elements drew on an extensive review of the academic literature on CPPs. In order to overcome limitations pointed out from the elaboration of the approaches, a complementary empirical phase of qualitative research assumes vital importance to the study and its priority focused improvements in the structural analysis approach. Case Study methods and adapted features of Grounded Theory served as main contributing approaches/techniques to the complex confection of a Structural Blueprint for this analytical approach. Applying this Structural Blueprint as a tool to describe aspects examined in actual Cases, composing a Generic Case Study, followed by a series of analyses that progressively integrate theoretical concepts of the proposed approaches into the assessment supported by the Blueprint, the study succeed in consolidating the integration of the analytical approaches. The logical basis steering Thesis conceptions and developments stands on Morin’s concept of Complex Thinking, which provides guidance to the hermeneutic dialectic conducted in accordance with the study’s research posture. Nexus afforded by such philosophic-epistemological orientation prevails in the complex integration of multiple and diverse factors and concepts embodied in the analytical approaches, providing consonance for the typical ambiguities, oppositions, and paradoxes observed in phenomena related to CPPs. The proposed set of approaches features evident capacity to evaluate CPPs holding varied organisational arrangements, imparting rich interpretations of aspects that contribute to their results and serving its original purpose of assisting the comprehension of their performance. Thus the Thesis offers relevant contribution to this field of knowledge, which demands urgent theoretical advancements.

Skiing and snowboarding are popular recreation activities in New Zealand, as well as constituting important components of the winter tourism product. The 2001 snow season witnessed record visitor numbers. Skier days have increased by more than 10% compared with the previous year to 1.254 million. The traditionally “nature related” activity of skiing, however has increasingly often been discussed in the light of excessive resource consumption and pollution of alpine environments. Since no research on resource efficient management of ski fields has been undertaken in New Zealand, this study examined environmental awareness and actions of ski field managers, resource consumption benchmarks (water and energy use, solid waste production), along with resource use related visitor behaviour. Two separate surveys were undertaken to collect relevant information from ski field managers and ski field visitors. While a census of managers across New Zealand was conducted with a mail-back questionnaire (all 27 ski fields were contacted, response rate 44%), the visitor survey was undertaken on-site at six selected ski fields in Canterbury, South Island (total responses: N=259). Analysis of the survey results showed that managers generally acted to protect the environment and resources, however, at different levels for the various indicators measured. Energy use and air pollution were rarely perceived to be environmentally important. Accordingly, only few actions were undertaken to reduce energy use. This is surprising, since energy consumption proved to be a major feature of ski field management. Given the additionally large amounts of water consumed (mainly for snowmaking) and solid waste produced on the mountain, skiing has to be classified as a resource intensive activity. Resource consumption is intensified further, when the impacts associated with tourists being transported to, and from, the mountain are considered. Energy use for “ski trip transport” within New Zealand is two times larger (180 MJ) than energy use associated with ski field infrastructure use (90 MJ) on a per skier day basis. There are several options to improve the environmental performance of ski fields, ranging from modernising equipment, optimising snowmaking and providing efficient transport alternatives. Additionally, increased cooperation between ski field managers, local governments and research institutes could potentially result in environmentally smarter operational practices. Internationally, New Zealand’s ski areas compare relatively well, mainly because of limited on-mountain entertainment and accommodation development, which keeps resource consumption and pollution low compared with European and North American ski fields. However, this research also indicated that New Zealand’s ski field visitors increasingly demand facilities and services similar to those overseas, which in turn may result in larger environmental impacts. New Zealand is generally believed to be a green and nature-related destination and its ski areas still blend well into the natural environment. Hence, there is some potential for the New Zealand ski industry to develop a unique product in such a way that it is both, sustainable and distinguishable from other international markets.

Considerada a importância de que os Programas de Produção mais Limpa (PPLs) são investidos e os problemas constatados com suas performances em todo o mundo, avalia-se como crítica a ausência de Bases Teóricas para avaliar esses programas. Na Literatura acadêmica para este tema, não se encontram abordagens que orientem a Concepção e a Gestão dos PPLs. Movida por estas constatações críticas e pelo senso de urgência em atender esta carência, a pesquisa empreendida, da qual parte dos resultados compõem esta Tese, se dedica à construção de Bases fundamentadas em áreas do conhecimento científico que apóiem a avaliação dos PPLs. Diante da escassez de abordagens teóricas para este propósito, esta Tese se constitui em estudo exploratório e voltado à proposição de um conjunto de enfoques que atenda à sua meta fundamental. Sugerindo que o conjunto resultante estabeleça um arcabouço teórico primário, dirigem-se os enfoques para três níveis de análise : (i) aspectos externos a um Programa a avaliar (macro-análise); (ii) constituição estrutural deste PPL e dinâmicas de seus componentes (meso-análise); e (iii) aspectos psico-sociológicos das relações internas no PPL (micro-análise). Define-se o nivel de meso-análise como foco das elaborações da Tese, para o qual se desenvolvem dois enfoques. Aos enfoques elaborados para os outros dois níveis de análise dedicam-se menores desenvolvimentos, limitando-se a indicar sua integração com os enfoques do nível de meso-análise e seus posteriores desdobramentos e aprofundamentos. Para as construções dos enfoques, utiliza-se de revisões amplas na literatura de Teorias de Aprendizagem, Teorias Organizacionais, Psicologia Ambiental, Complexidade e Gestão da Mudança, como apoios para a revisão de publicações acadêmicas sobre PPLs. Limitações constatadas para estas elaborações teóricas do conjunto de enfoques destacam a importância de uma fase complementar de estudos empíricos qualitativos que, na Tese, prioriza aperfeiçoar o enfoque para Análise Estrutural. Empregando-se principalmente a abordagem de Estudos de Caso e recursos adaptados da Grounded Theory, elabora-se um Esboço Estrutural para este enfoque. A consolidação da integração dos enfoques propostos pela Tese alcança maior consistência pela aplicação do Esboço Estrutural para descrever aspectos dos Casos estudados em um Estudo de Caso Genérico, acompanhada de uma série de análises que integram, progressivamente, conceitos teóricos das ferramentas analíticas que compõem os enfoques. A base da lógica que coordena concepções e construções da Tese se alicerça no enfoque de Pensamento Complexo de Morin, operacionalizada através da dialética hermenêutica que orienta a postura de pesquisa. Tais escolhas filosófico-epistemológicas proporcionam nexo para a integração complexa de múltiplos e variados fatores e conceitos que passam a compor os enfoques, conciliando ambigüidades, oposições e paradoxos típicos dos fenômenos observados nos PPLs. Como resultados, alcança-se evidente capacidade do conjunto de enfoques elaborado para avaliar PPLs de diversos arranjos organizacionais, permitindo-se interpretações ricas dos aspectos que concorrem para seus resultados, o que atende ao propósito original de contribuir para a compreensão de suas performances. Desta forma, a Tese oferece contributo significativo para um campo de conhecimento que carece de contribuições teóricas urgentes. / A critical lack of approaches based on theoretical fundamentals to evaluating Cleaner Production Programmes (CPPs) in the academic literature collides with the significance of these programmes and with their crucial performance problems all over the world. Scientific guidance on designing and managing CPPs is nonexistent or unavailable to regular search on academic publications. Intending to reduce this scarcity of scientific knowledge, the research from which this Thesis gathers its results conceives approaches supported by theoretical underpinnings aimed to evaluate CPPs. Given the knowledge insufficiency on this subject, this Thesis constitutes an exploratory study devoted to the proposition of a set of analytical approaches. This set is intended to establish a basic theoretical framework whose approaches are designed to fit three analytical levels : (i) external aspects of a Programme under assessment (macro-analysis); (ii) structural constitution of this CPP and the dynamics of its components (meso-analysis); and (iii) psycho-sociological aspects of the CPP internal relations (micro-analysis). The main focus of elaborative work concerns the meso-analysis level, to which two approaches have been developed. Less development is dedicated to the other levels and the Thesis confines the elaboration of their approaches to their vital fit and sound synergy with the approaches of the meso-analysis level. The study indicates detailed features of the micro-analysis approach and how they develop in future advanced stages of the research. Similar indications of future developments for the macro-analysis approach receive attention in the discussions. Encompassing reviews of the literature on Learning Theories, Organisational Theories, Environmental Psychology, Complexity and Organisational Change underpin the conception and development of the approaches, integrating elements drew on an extensive review of the academic literature on CPPs. In order to overcome limitations pointed out from the elaboration of the approaches, a complementary empirical phase of qualitative research assumes vital importance to the study and its priority focused improvements in the structural analysis approach. Case Study methods and adapted features of Grounded Theory served as main contributing approaches/techniques to the complex confection of a Structural Blueprint for this analytical approach. Applying this Structural Blueprint as a tool to describe aspects examined in actual Cases, composing a Generic Case Study, followed by a series of analyses that progressively integrate theoretical concepts of the proposed approaches into the assessment supported by the Blueprint, the study succeed in consolidating the integration of the analytical approaches. The logical basis steering Thesis conceptions and developments stands on Morin’s concept of Complex Thinking, which provides guidance to the hermeneutic dialectic conducted in accordance with the study’s research posture. Nexus afforded by such philosophic-epistemological orientation prevails in the complex integration of multiple and diverse factors and concepts embodied in the analytical approaches, providing consonance for the typical ambiguities, oppositions, and paradoxes observed in phenomena related to CPPs. The proposed set of approaches features evident capacity to evaluate CPPs holding varied organisational arrangements, imparting rich interpretations of aspects that contribute to their results and serving its original purpose of assisting the comprehension of their performance. Thus the Thesis offers relevant contribution to this field of knowledge, which demands urgent theoretical advancements.